Is parking the bigger picture? Tips from IAM RoadSmart

Pick the right spot. If you are out with friends or off to watch a movie alone, be conscious of the area in which you choose to park. The far end of a dark car park may not be the safest choice for a lone traveller returning late at night

Costs of parking. Always carry change, a mobile phone or a bank card. If you are not a change carrier leave a few coins in your coin compartment and close the lid

Timing is everything. Try not to choose a location you know will be busy at peak times or wait for the key time when the parking regulations change. Always check the local sign posts and markings as ignorance is no defence.Definitions of days such as bank holidays can also vary between places.If in doubt ask a parking attendant. Technically you should have a few minutes grace to get back to your car but it’s not worth the risk as fines are always much more than the parking charge

Take your time. Don’t succumb to the pressure of time or people around you. Rushing could lead to costly mistakes

Be on the lookout. Always check whether a parking permit is required and take note of where you parked. In a strange city or a huge car park it can be easy to lose your car. There are several parking apps available that you can use.If you are really worried about finding your car, a sticker in the windscreen may help

Spot the danger signs – for example parking next to the trolley bay on a Saturday afternoon, broken glass in the darkest corners or parking next to a scruffy vehicle or people carrier. Young children don’t tend to think about other cars when they fling the doors open

Richard said: “The competition for parking spaces can be really fierce in some towns and cities. By staying calm and giving yourself time, flexibility and a good grounding in local knowledge you will stand a much better chance of bagging that perfect space. If you want to stay healthy and save money then parking a little further away and walking can be a win – win.”

Notes to editors:

Richard Gladman is IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards.

IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com